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(1) That, details of the representations
received to the published Statutory Proposal to change the age
range of Highfield Primary School, Beeches Road, Rowley Regis, B65
0DA (the school) from 3-11 years old to 5-11 years old be
considered;

(2) that, in connection with the five objections received during
the statutory representation period following publication of the
Statutory Proposal, no further action be taken in response, and the
objectors be advised accordingly; and

(3) that, having taken the representations into account, and no
further action being required, approval be given to make the
prescribed alternations for the school, as set out in (1)
above.

Reasons for the decision

Following Cabinet Decision No.40/24 (1) (a), a
Statutory Proposal was published 29 April 2024 relating to the
proposed prescribed alteration to change the age range of Highfield
Primary School, Beeches Road, Rowley Regis, B65 0DA (the school)
from 3-11 years old to 5-11 years old. The representation period
closed on 27 May 2024. The Proposal was published on the
Council’s Consultation Hub. Notice of the Statutory Proposal
was also published in the Express and Star on 24 April 2024.

5 responses were received via the Consultation Hub. 1 response was
both in favour and against the change of age range. 4 responders
provided an explanation for their objection. The Cabinet Decision
No.40/24 (1) (c) requires, in the event that any objections are
raised during the statutory representation period for the Statutory
Proposal, that a report is submitted to the Cabinet Member for
Children, Young People and Education with full details of
representations received to inform a final decision on the
proposal.

In consideration of the commentary, relating to the detailed
objections were received, the Cabinet Member is recommended to
proceed to make a final decision for the prescribed alterations as
planned, and in accordance with Cabinet Decision No.40/24.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing and keep the age range at the
existing range of 3-11 years – this would be a detrimental
impact on the school’s budget and resources.

Retain the existing age range of 3-11 years, but reduce the Nursery
to 26 places, 13 AM session / 13 PM session. The Governing Body has
considered reducing the overall capacity of the Nursery to fewer
places but in the long term, does not consider there is sufficient
demand to provide a sustainable solution for future years.

Combine the school’s Nursery and Reception classes to form an
Early Years / Foundation Unit. The Governing Body has considered
the option but, the financial viability of operating a unit model
would create additional financial concerns for the school.